“In this study, 103 young adults were given a frustration task and then randomized to play no game, a non-violent game, a violent game with good versus evil theme, or a violent game in which they played ‘the bad guy.’ The results suggest that violent games reduce depression and hostile feelings in players through mood management,” Dr. Ferguson explained.

Lots of people cite games as a way to deal with stress but this study breaks new ground by actually finding a clinical connection. So don’t feel too bad when you lose a few hours to Halo or Call of Duty; you’re just buffing your coping mechanisms.